Archive for Danila
Zubkov Stuck in Soviet Mentality
Statements made by Russia’s new Prime Minister, Viktor Zubkov, seem to indicate that he’s still living in the Soviet Union, at least in his mind. Zubkov was completely unknown to both Russia and the world before his recent nomination to the post. One of the few well-known highlights of his career is a tenure as […]
Oct 5, 2007 | Continued
Economic Growth and Authoritarianism
Many Western economist and political theorists suppose that liberal economic policies inevitably lead to political and social freedoms. Under their thinking, Russia’s rising GDP will shelter the country from authoritarianism, as business leaders and investors demand social reform. Anatole Kaletsky of The Times (UK), proposes that these experts need to rethink their stance: History has […]
Oct 5, 2007 | Continued
Putin’s Militant Youth
Maksim Mischenko, leader of the “Young Russia” movement, is assuming authority to combat the Other Russia. This he announced this on October 3rd, during an appearance at a rally in Moscow of the pro-Kremlin movement, “Everything is Going as Planned!” “We are fighting with a dragon. The dragon wants to tear up the country from […]
Oct 4, 2007 | Continued
Reactions and Outcry Against Putin’s Latest Surprise
Independent news outlets around the world have reacted strongly to president Vladimir Putin’s announcement on October 1st to head the United Russia party in upcoming Parliamentary elections. The move reveals Putin’s intention to retain his grip on power in the Russian Federation. Bolstered by the propagandistic state-run media (which, among other things, decries Kremlin opponents […]
Oct 4, 2007 | Continued
Kadyrov: Putin Should Stay For Life
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov announced on October 2nd his desire that Putin remain in power indefinitely, and ignore the Constitution. Speaking in front of the United Russia party Congress in Moscow, Kadyrov shook his hands, booming: “As before, I want that Vladimir Putin remain for a third term, and to on the whole be the […]
Oct 3, 2007 | Continued
Rewritten History
In an article recently published in Novaya Gazeta, Professor of Sociology Vladimir Shlapentokh (of Michigan State University) has revealed an academic study of altered history in Putin’s Russia. Shlapentokh introduces the idea that silenced names provide a clear indicator to measure authoritarianism. Likening the media and public blacklisting of opposition figures to similar moments in […]
Oct 2, 2007 | Continued
The Kremlin’s Farce Enters Act Three
In a move that shocked many western observers by its bluntness, Vladimir Putin announced today his intention to head the United Russia party in upcoming parliamentary elections. Regarding the possibility of his becoming prime minister, Putin winked that “it is still too early to think about it.” He went on: “Two conditions must be met […]
Oct 1, 2007 | Continued
Kasparov Wins Nomination as United Opposition Candidate
Garry Kasparov, leader of the United Civil Front, has been elected as the single opposition candidate to represent the Other Russia in the March 2008 presidential election. After a series of democratic and transparent primary elections, delegates from far-flung regions voted today in Moscow to propel the former world chess champion to lead the opposition […]
Sep 30, 2007 | Continued
Kasparov Leads Kasyanov In Primary Polls
Even as Russian authorities have attempted to block and fracture the Other Russia primary cycle, the coalition has refused to succumb, and has held successful regional congresses in nearly every corner of Russia. Complete chart of primary results by region and candidate The regional results have now definitively come in, as the opposition coalition prepares […]
Sep 29, 2007 | Continued